The Deer Rut

Bradgate Park boasts a healthy population of both Red and Fallow deer, giving us a unique opportunity to photograph the deer rut against a variety of backgrounds, both manmade and natural. Bradgate house itself acts as a fantastic backdrop, with the deer contrasting fabulously against the bricks. We also have extensive open land and rocky outcrops for a more natural setting. The workshop dates are timed to coincide with the highest chance of activity and behaviour and each trip starts before dawn, giving us a variety of light conditions to work in.

A wildlife spectacle

With hundreds of Deer in the park along with a variety of other species such as Peacocks, Green Woodpeckers, Herons, Waterfowl and Jays, there will be numerous opportunities for photography. We will be out in the field before sunrise to make the most of the best light and the peak of activity.

Suitable for all photographers

From complete beginners to seasoned professionals, this workshop will be tailored around your individual needs. Whether it’s settings, composition, fieldcraft or even post-processing advice, I’m on hand throughout the day to provide this support and a small group size helps to ensure everyone gets plenty of attention.

Groups or individuals welcome

Group sizes are limited to 5 to ensure everyone receives 1-2-1 support and tuition throughout the day whilst still being able to capture some great images.

Gift vouchers available

Vouchers are available to purchase for this workshop and are also exchangeable for other workshops of the same value.

Where

Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, UK

When

15th October 2026

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Fitness Level

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Occasionally uneven terrain and up to 6 miles of walking

Cost

£170pp

FAQ

What lens / focal length will you need?

500mm+ recommended with potential for shorter lenses like a 100-400mm. I have limited OM System equipment available to loan at no extra cost on the day if needed.

Is this workshop weather dependant?

This workshop is rarely postponed due to the weather as there’s opportunities in nearly all conditions.

What will I need to bring?

Snacks and water.
Suitable clothing for the weather conditions.
Tick spray.
Sturdy walking boots.

How long is this workshop?

This is a full day workshop which lasts up to 7 hours.

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Parking Fee of £4.50 (cards accepted)

T&Cs

I spent a great day with Tesni on one of her workshops; the Red Deer Rut at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire. I use an Olympus OMD EM1 camera, not the easiest to master due to the amount of settings that can be pre-programmed. This being said, it did not phase Tesni, in fact she is on the Olympus team for wildlife photographers, so my camera settings were a doddle for her. She guided me through the settings, as the light changed during the day. Tesni had done her homework on Bradgate regarding the locations were the Deer had been seen in the last few days, which was really beneficial in seeing and taking shots. Four times during the course of the day Tesni worked through the photos I had been taking and gave advice on any adjustments that needed making. I usually shoot in Aperture mode only, but again Tesni gave me the confidence to shoot in manual mode. The wildlife was stunning we managed to see the magnificent Red Bucks in fighting mode trying to protect their Hinds from younger male Bucks, with no other people about, that was down to her preparation prior to the workshop taking place. Later in the day it was the turn of the Fallow deer, again the Bucks calling in there Hinds. This workshop was a full twelve hour day to reap the full benefits of the Deer Rut, and I can’t thank Tesni enough in giving me guidance through the lens to photograph this truly great event. I would recommend anyone who enjoys taking photos of wildlife to book a workshop with Tesni.